As you all know, Alex and I are the two brains behind Blogussion — but 6 months ago; this was not true. In fact six months ago, Blogussion didn’t exist. I’ll let you in on one big secret behind, all modesty aside, our success.
That secret, is the fact that we work together, as a duo. There are almost a countless number of positives to work with someone else, but let me just name a few…
Keeps You Motivated
How many times have you launched a blog, only to see it die down after a few months? Well, I’ve seen many. Some under the mercy of my laziness and some under others, but we’ve all seen good blogs with potential slowly fade away from the scene.
This fade away can lead to many, many reasons but one in particular is the lack of motivation. After weeks and weeks of hard-work, we check our logs to see a trickle of traffic and even less income, the comment sections seems to be gathering dust and you feel like your talking to yourself. This is when we starting thinking of giving up.
Having a partner along side you, will give you all the motivation you need. Just having the thought of not letting your partner down, in the back of your mind — will keep you more than motivated.
2x The Exposure Your Blog Receives
Tired of doing all that shameless promoting, social bookmarking and tweeting? Well, how would you like to half the time-investment but double the results? Since Alex and I are both constantly promoting our blog, reaching out to new people and always trying to take Blogussion that one step further; we expose our blog more and more to the blogosphere.
Posting Rotations can be the “X-Factor” in making a successful blog
How often do you post on your blog? Some post 3 – 4 times a day and others once or twice a week. It varies, but no matter how your posting-system works — having another writer will just benefit you in so many ways.
Most importantly, it gives you a break — time for a breather! Also, as your partner covers the post rotation; it gives you more time to research + create your next piece.
Of course, these rotations aren’t dead-set because even here — I haven’t been able to cover my scheduled days, but the beauty of it is — that you know it’s not the end of the world.
Brainstorming: Two Heads Are Better Than One
As the popular saying goes Two Heads Are Better Than One, blogging with a partner takes it to a whole new level. Everything from the release of our new theme to DoFollow Link Directory to the plugins we use and potential steps to be taken in the future; all of this gets brainstormed between the two of us.
It’s brilliant. Nothing else I can say about having two minds at work because if you and your partner can connect, for even the most briefest of times — you will start from a simple suggestion and snowball into so many useful ideas.
Readers can connect to one of you.
Let’s face the facts here, no matter how well you present yourself or how clearly you write; not every person that lands on your blog will like your content or more seriously; you as a writer. We must learn to accept the fact; that hatred, criticism, jealousy and may other more responses to your blog is inevitable.
However, with two minds at work — you are allowing a second chance to bring aboard that stranded reader. They might land on say for example; one of my posts but finds something that he/she just doesn’t like. They don’t have to necessarily leave instantly, because a completely different writing style awaits its turn; Alex’s posts.
Having that other type of writing — you allow your blog to please a wider range of readers. Just think about it; why do BloggingTips is so successful?
Diverse Expertise
Something you might not know about Alex and myself; is how well we complement one another. In a number of occasions, one of us would have a question or a problem relating to the blog — only to find that the other had the perfect solution.
As your relationship with your partner grows, you can start to explore new areas and equip yourself with more knowledge. Take us for example; Alex has designed the best WP-Theme for Blogussion, and has taken care of every visual-aspect of our blog. This relieves so much pressure of me, opposed to if I was running the blog by myself.
While he’s advancing in the field of scripting, coding and designing — I’ve got a lot more time on my hands to learn what I love learning best; Search Engine Optimization and the more statistics side of blogging.
Different Timezones
To be honest, I’m still contemplating if this is a benefit or a disaster when it comes to blogging with a partner. Speaking with experience; having different timezones absolutely sucks when it comes to communication.
During the weekdays, Alex and I have to talk through a WP-Plugin, which acts like a sticky-note within the admin panel. We only get to talk in real-time via Instant Messaging on weekends, where one of us has to stay up real late into the night.
Then again, the positive side of this point is that more often than not; you are likely to find at least one of us online at any one point in a 24 hour period. Therefore; replies to comments, emails, suggestions etc. to Tweets and such will happen relatively quickly.
This obviously wouldn’t apply if you and your partner is within similar or the same timezones, but for duos like Alex and myself — our times differ almost by 14 hours! So, give or take — this is one of those double-edged swords!
What Say You?
So with all that into consideration, what say you? Do you blog with a partner or are you a lone-wolf? Mind you, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with blogging by yourself — but there are many benefits of blogging with a parnter; that just seems to good to deny!
33 Discussions
Along with keeping you motivated, it gives someone for you to be accountable to. For now I am one of those lone-wolves. It’s really hard to be productive because I don’t have anyone to hold me accountable for getting things done.
Nice post, Janith. By the way, my name is Nick and Blogussion is awesome!
Nick Tart’s last blog post..Entrepreneurship is Like a Fat Man on a 3-Legged Stool
If things start to fall too far astray, your more conscientious followers will hold you accountable.
Dennis Edell’s last blog post..Who Wants To Sponsor June’s Comment Contest!
They can be just as a “powerful motivator” as a partner, IMO
More so. LOL
Dennis Edell’s last blog post..Who Wants To Sponsor June’s Comment Contest!
Welcome to Blogussion, Nick.
Thank you for dropping by and leaving a comment; we appreciate it
Your point couldn’t be closer to the truth either, because I’m sure we’ve come close to giving up on many occasions on several projects – but having a partner will provide that accountability has you’ve mentioned
Even here at Blogussion, couple of times when thing weren’t working out – Alex being a fellow administrator; we kept each other moving forward.
I don’t have a blogging partner, but I do have an accountability partner, and what a difference that has made! We keep each other on track, nag each other to get something done already, and provide inspiration and a sounding board when the other needs it. I highly recommend finding someone you can partner with in some way.
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I think having an accountability partner serves the same purpose as having a partner, as long as there’s someone to keep pushing you forward.
Just like you Cindy, I think everyone should have a partner in one form or another, when it comes to blogging. Perhaps even unofficial partnerships, where two blog owners can help each other, but without any citations on the blog itself?
Some people don’t like running joint blogs for some reason (quick survey on DP), so this approach might work for them.
great post janith , Its always have to some one with you to reduce your work load . But having a partner which is not serious or sincere creates lot more problems than benefits
Cuts the load in half, I reckon
However, there can be conflicts of interest and partners might disagree on something – than actually getting work done.
It’s all about finding the right partner
A great post and a great point you delivered here. I myself have a blogging partner on one of my sites. It decreases a hell lot of load off both of our heads..!
Lovely blog btw. I like the design.
Zubin’s last blog post..Google wins a domain Case (googblog.com) against an Indian guy
It does decrease the work load, I’m so happy I have a team mate here.
Glad you like the design too Zubin!
To be honest People can even start ruling the blogosphere with another brain working with them. It really helps them a lot in lots of ways. Great post Janith Retweeted
Thank you for the RT, Harish
Ruling the blogosphere sounds a nice idea, especially if you have someone to share the fame with
I blog alone, as in I am the lone admin and the final say on whatevr falls to me.
That said, I do have a couple very trustworthy brainstorming/accountability partners who i can call upon pretty much anytime I please, and vice verse.
I am also acquiring what I like to call,. “permanent guest bloggers”.
Dennis Edell’s last blog post..Who Wants To Sponsor June’s Comment Contest!
That’s like a partner’s role divided into different people
Permanent guest bloggers? That sounds interesting, but are they going to write for your blog for free, Dennis?
Yes, free; at least in the beginning, who knows later on. They aren’t ghost writers or anything of thst nature, they are guest bloggers, that just take it a step further. “Permanent” just means, you will see the same name on a pretty consistent basis, weekly or monthly, I haven’t worked out all the details yet.
These guests truly know what guest blogging can do for someone. The more popular my blog becomes, they are right alongside for the ride.
In lieu of cash, there are perks above and beyond those of average guest bloggers. Average guest get something like a link above the article, with their bio at the end, right?
These folks get that, PLUS. Perhaps eventually….
Their own category.
The okie doke for more links, perhaps even affiliate.
Their bio or more on a dedicated “meet our guests” page.
etc etc…like I said, I haven’t worked out all the details yet, but I already have a few signed up…so to speak.
Dennis Edell’s last blog post..Who Wants To Sponsor June’s Comment Contest!
Its a great idea to have and there are more benefits at the end of the day, but the only problem is that it cant really be implemented in a ‘personal’ blog about how YOU make money and under your name.
Abdulrahman Abdulkawi’s last blog post..Building Relationships To Make Money
Its quite difficult to have a partner to write in your blog when the title of your blog is based under your name and its related on how you make money as it would confuse your visitors on who’s who and may even feel uncomfortable with your partners advice.
Abdulrahman Abdulkawi’s last blog post..Building Relationships To Make Money
That would be confusing.. but if you’ve registered a blog under your name – you can still have a discrete partner, that can still offer advice and brainstorming sessions but doesn’t get cited on your blog anywhere.
It could work, couldn’t it?
The only thing I would say here is trust issues. I mean, you are going to think differently about having a partner after you started the blog by yourself then you would when you started from scratch. That’s kind of how things worked out between Janith and I, we merged our two blogs together, so obviously there was a ton of trust there.
But what do you think about that, it is definitely going to be a different kind of feeling wanting a partner on a blog you have started yourself over a blog you haven’t.
Awesome post Janith, it’s self reflection posts like these we need here a lot!
I understand the possitive things having a partner can bring to the table but in my past experiences the cons totally out weigh the pros.
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New to Blogussion and great theme. Everything here is sleek, modern and extremely pleasing to the eye. Also, great article Janith. This is definitely a partnership that works.
I would love to see 2 follow up posts to this one. The first being “how to create a partnership”… You know the nitty gritty details it really takes to set something up and the second being “7 reasons why partnerships are hard” or basically a cons argument to balance out both sides.
Again this is a great blog. Thanks for the information.
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Seth,
I am very glad you like the theme! I think it is great too, and is serving us very well here.
Those are excellent ideas for followup posts Seth! I will definitely let Janith know about it, thanks for the ideas.
Very well written.. Really cool motivating points to have a blogging partner. But just like everything has.. where there are advantages, their are disadvantages too !
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Looking forward to reading your response to this post.
Though it took too long, but its up now !
Enk.´s last blog ..6 Reasons why You should NOT Blog with a Partner
Sweet man, good write up!
Haha.. yeah soon !
but not at the blog I linked in comment
Enk. | STFRAGU.com’s last blog post..How to Write a Search Engine Optimised Blog Post
My main problem is not being able to update my blogs often enough. That’s why I probably need a good blogging partner in the near future.
Oh by the way, I think the motivation thing will not apply if one in a pair loses the, uh… motivation to go on. I mean, There are many many many reasons why some partners just can’t go on
Ninah’s last blog post..How to Find the Cheapest Health Insurance
Hi Janith, very interesting post.
I’m more the lone wolf kind I guess, it’s my nature to rely more on my own work. My blog is for people who are interested in learning about SEO from me, and I have to admit that I have fairly unique views on the subject, that may not be easily shared or understood by a partner.
On the other hand, I have numerous accountability partners I would say: all my readers. They all expect a lot from me, and I can’t let them down!
Since my blog is “SEO Help by Nicolas Prudhon”, people expect posts and work by Nicolas Prudhon, and not Joe and Jane…
. That said, I can see the benefits of having a partner too, and certainly wished sometimes that I had one…
When two Brains Work, It proves to be helpful. Also, staying in two different time-zones increases the readership by promotion! But sometimes Two cooks spoil the brought.
That pretty much sums up my post
Like everything there are advantages and disadvantages of blogging with a partner, but personally I think the pros outweight the “cons” by far.
I blog alone, however I do have one of my friends “Guest Post” to my blog. I like doing this, gives me a break and lets him get a few more readers for his blog. I blog about technology and he blogs about tea. but we are both tech people so his posts are still valueable for my blog.
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